Puma vs. Jaguar — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Puma, native to the Americas, is solitary and lacks rosettes; known as cougar. Jaguar, in Central & South America, has a unique rosette coat and strong build.
Difference Between Puma and Jaguar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The puma and jaguar are both large felines native to the Americas, but they are distinct species with unique characteristics. Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are primarily found in North and South America. Jaguars, on the other hand, are mainly confined to rainforests in Central and South America.
Pumas are generally smaller and less robust compared to jaguars. They lack the distinct rosette patterns on their coats, which are usually a single color such as beige, brown, or reddish-brown. Jaguars are sturdier and have unique, beautiful rosette-patterned coats that can be either yellow or black.
Another significant difference between the two is their hunting style and prey preference. Pumas tend to hunt smaller animals like deer and are experts at stalking and ambush. Jaguars are apex predators that can hunt a wide variety of prey, from small animals to caimans, and possess a powerful bite capable of piercing the skulls or shells of their prey.
In terms of habitat, pumas are quite adaptable and can live in a variety of environments including forests, mountains, and even deserts. Jaguars prefer wet, dense habitats like tropical rainforests, primarily because such habitats are rich in the variety of prey they hunt. Both species are solitary by nature, but the range of a puma is typically much larger than that of a jaguar.
Comparison Chart
Geographic Range
North and South America
Central and South America
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Coat Pattern
Uniform color
Rosette-patterned
Size
Generally smaller
Larger and more robust
Hunting Style
Stalk and ambush
Strong bite, diverse prey
Preferred Habitat
Varied
Rainforests
Compare with Definitions
Puma
Pumas are also known as cougars or mountain lions.
Some people refer to the puma as a mountain lion.
Jaguar
Jaguars are known for their unique rosette-patterned coats.
The jaguar's coat has beautiful, intricate rosettes.
Puma
Pumas excel in stalking and ambushing their prey.
The puma is an expert at stalking deer.
Jaguar
Jaguars are apex predators.
Jaguars have few natural predators in the wild.
Puma
A puma is a large feline native to the Americas.
The puma is found in both North and South America.
Jaguar
Jaguars possess a particularly strong bite.
A jaguar can crush the skull of its prey with its powerful bite.
Puma
Pumas have a solitary nature and large territorial ranges.
A puma's territory can extend over hundreds of square miles.
Jaguar
A jaguar is a large, powerful feline found mainly in Central and South America.
The jaguar is native to rainforests in Central and South America.
Puma
Pumas are generally smaller than jaguars.
Though strong, pumas are not as robust as jaguars.
Jaguar
The jaguar (Panthera onca) is a large felid species and the only living member of the genus Panthera native to the Americas. Its distinctively marked coat features pale yellow to tan colored fur covered by spots that transition to rosettes on the sides.
Puma
A German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures athletic and casual footwear, apparel and accessories
Jaguar
A large feline mammal (Panthera onca) of Mexico, Central America, and South America, closely related to the leopard and having a tawny coat spotted with black rosettes.
Puma
A large American wild cat with a plain tawny to greyish coat, found from Canada to Patagonia.
Jaguar
A carnivorous spotted large cat native to South and Central America, Panthera onca.
Puma
See cougar.
Jaguar
A large and powerful feline animal (Panthera onca, formerly Felis onca), ranging from Texas and Mexico to Patagonia. It is usually brownish yellow, with large, dark, somewhat angular rings, each generally inclosing one or two dark spots. It is chiefly arboreal in its habits. It is also called the panther and the American tiger.
Puma
A mountain lion or cougar (Puma concolor).
Jaguar
A large spotted feline of tropical America similar to the leopard; in some classifications considered a member of the genus Felis
Puma
(by extension) Any feline belonging to the genus Puma.
Jaguar
Jaguars prefer dense, wet habitats like rainforests.
You'll often find jaguars in the lush environments of tropical rainforests.
Puma
(slang) A woman in her 20s or 30s who seeks relationships with younger men; a younger cougar.
Puma
A large American carnivore (Felis concolor), found from Canada to Patagonia, especially among the mountains. Its color is tawny, or brownish yellow, without spots or stripes. Called also catamount, cougar, American lion, mountain lion, and panther or painter.
Puma
Large American feline resembling a lion
Common Curiosities
What is the diet of a jaguar?
Jaguars have a varied diet that includes small animals, fish, and even caimans.
What are the other names for a puma?
Pumas are also known as mountain lions or cougars.
Where are pumas found?
Pumas are found primarily in North and South America.
Are pumas and jaguars the same?
No, pumas and jaguars are different species with distinct characteristics.
How big is a puma?
Pumas are generally smaller than jaguars, weighing between 80 to 220 pounds.
What do pumas eat?
Pumas mainly eat smaller animals like deer.
Are jaguars endangered?
Yes, jaguars are near-threatened due to habitat loss and human activities.
Where do jaguars live?
Jaguars primarily live in Central and South America, particularly in rainforests.
What is the distinctive feature of a jaguar's coat?
Jaguars have unique rosette-patterned coats.
Do pumas and jaguars coexist in the same habitats?
They can overlap in some areas, but they generally prefer different habitats.
How strong is a jaguar?
Jaguars have one of the most powerful bites among big cats and are very robust.
Can jaguars swim?
Yes, jaguars are good swimmers and often hunt in water.
What is the social structure of pumas and jaguars?
Both pumas and jaguars are solitary animals.
Are pumas good climbers?
Yes, pumas are agile and can climb trees.
How fast can a puma run?
Pumas can run at speeds up to 50 mph for short distances.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
